Hridroga: An Ayurvedic Review with Special Reference to Its Nidana, Samprapti, Lakshana and Chikitsa

Abstract

Hridroga (Cardiac disease) is an important disease entity described in the classical Ayurvedic texts and encompasses disorders affecting the Hridaya, an organ considered to be of prime importance for the maintenance of life. Ayurveda describes Hridaya not merely as an anatomical organ but as an important seat of Chetana, Mana, Ojas, Rasa Dhatu, Pranavaha Srotas and Rasavaha Srotas, and as the site associated with Vyana Vayu, Sadhaka Pitta and Avalambaka Kapha. Various etiological factors including improper dietary habits, excessive physical exertion, suppression of natural urges, psychological factors, incompatible food, excessive or inadequate food intake and improper therapeutic interventions are described in the classical literature. Hridroga is classified predominantly into Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja and Krimija types by Charaka, Vagbhata and Madhava Nidana. The clinical manifestations vary according to the predominance of Dosha. Vataja Hridroga is characterized predominantly by severe pain and abnormal cardiac sensations, Pittaja Hridroga by burning, thirst, sweating and other Pitta manifestations, Kaphaja Hridroga by heaviness, stiffness, drowsiness and anorexia, while Sannipataja Hridroga manifests with features of all three Doshas. Krimija Hridroga is described as a severe condition associated with intense cardiac pain. The Ayurvedic pathogenesis involves Dosha Dushti, Rasa Dushti and Sthana Samsraya in Hridaya, with involvement of Rasavaha and Pranavaha Srotas. Treatment is primarily based on Dosha-specific Shodhana, Shamana, Rasayana, dietary regulation and appropriate Pathya-Apathya. The classical description of Hridroga provides a comprehensive framework for understanding cardiac disorders from an Ayurvedic perspective and offers an important basis for further clinical and research exploration.

While previous reviews have discussed the classical concepts, etiopathogenesis and clinical management of Hridroga, the present review emphasizes an integrated understanding of the interrelationships among the functional significance of Hridaya, the involvement of Rasavaha and Pranavaha Srotas, Dosha-specific Samprapti, and therapeutic principles described in classical Ayurvedic texts. This synthesis aims to provide a structured conceptual framework for understanding Hridroga within Ayurvedic pathophysiology and to identify areas for further clinical investigation